Key workers in care homes have faced some particularly tough challenges during the pandemic. 20 year old Rebecca O’Sullivan works with young adults with support needs in an Exeter residential home, where social distancing is simply not possible. Wearing personal protective equipment has become an essential part of her job.
Working in a care home through the pandemic has presented its challenges. Firstly, coming to terms with the fact that two of our service users are particularly vulnerable to the virus added an uneasiness to the job, and a pressure to ensure that I was taking social distancing measures seriously. However, the second challenge emerged when realising the practicalities of social distancing, as keeping two metres away from our service users is an impossible aim. I work with people who need support with personal care, walking and eating. I also have to ensure a service user is safe when she has a seizure. It is hard to fathom denying a service user when asked for a “squeeze” (a side hug which provides necessary comfort and security).
Luckily, breaking these social distancing measures is not putting ourselves or our service users into danger as we are equipped with full PPE, which I am incredibly grateful for. Despite being very grateful for our personal protective equipment which I know is not available for all key workers, it does present its own challenges. Wearing an apron, gloves, mask and visor for a 14-hour shift can become very hot and exhausting, particularly when one of the girls I work with requests the dreaded “bounce” when we are sat reading on the trampoline. It is the hottest day of the year; I am very sweaty and the sun is reflecting on my visor so I am partially blinded but at least I can hear giggling.
PPE also presents challenges as we rely on facial expression to communicate and motivate, although in this moment I was glad my disappointment was masked when after a few minutes I sit down and ask breathlessly “Did you enjoy that?”, her face suddenly drops from cheerful to very serious, she looks me straight in the eyes, grabs my gloved hand urgently and whispers “more”.
In addition to activities in the house, such as cooking and creative sessions, we try to engage our service users in activities in the garden. We have a trampoline, slide and play house which helps us ensure that they can still be active and entertained despite not being able to leave on trips. It is a concern amongst staff in the home that introducing outdoor activities post-lockdown will be difficult, particularly with the people we support who rely on routines and consistency in day to day life. However, making sure everyone is happy and safe is our prioritised focus at the moment. I hope that those fighting to get adequate PPE in their workplaces will get the protection they deserve and that we rely upon.
Rebecca O’Sullivan attended QE Academy and plans to study English Literature at university later this year.
